From a new bar, a new Bristol-esque booth to book, VR sledge rides and much moreBristol’s much-loved Christmas Market returns from November 7(Image: James Bridle)

While we’re still in the midst of autumn and getting excited for the more spookier season, Christmas is closer than one might think. And with it comes the pastime that some either love or hate – Christmas shopping.

Fortunately for us here in Bristol, every year Broadmead is transformed into a festive wonderland of market stalls, Christmas entertainment and festive food and drink. And it sees Bristol’s Shopping Quarter decorated with twinkling lights, a 30ft Christmas tree and Bavarian-inspired wooden chalets and festive decor.

This year, alongside the bar and stalls many of us know and love, there’s some brand new spots for enjoying some food and drink – one that completely screams Bristol. And, of course, plenty of entertainment to enjoy and get you in the festive mood – including that all important visit from Santa himself.

Read on to find out what you have to look forward to this year. We’ll update this page with any future announcements and updates, so be sure to check back regularly for more…

When is Bristol Christmas Market 2025? And where?

The Bristol Christmas Market will this year be open from November 7 until December 23 with opening times as follows:

  • Festive stalls: 10am – 7pm
  • Food stalls and bar: 10am -10pm
  • Final day on December 23 – the market will close at 6pm on this day

The market will be located in the heart of Bristol’s Shopping Quarter in Broadmead and stretches just over the road from Cabot Circus, and down one section of Merchant Street.

Travel and parking

Because of the market’s central location, there are plenty of bus routes, taxi stops, and car parks nearby for visitors to utilise. Not to mention the e-bikes and scooters dotted all over the city, and the connections from the motorway and Temple Meads train station.

Visitors to last year’s Bristol Christmas Market(Image: PAUL GILLIS / Reach PLC)How many stalls are expected this year?

More than 40 stalls are expected at this year’s Bristol Christmas Market. They will include local artisans and independent businesses selling an array of unique gifts, crafts and seasonal treats.

What’s new for 2025 – and everything else you can see and do

Food and drink, ski gondolas, a new bar and the new hot air balloon booths

At the Bristol Christmas Market 2025 you can pick up a traditional festive drink, like a mulled cider or Bailey’s hot chocolate, from the brand new Glissè Bar, as well as the ever popular Jäger Barn Bar, which has heated seating areas to keep you cosy.

If you’re a music lover, the Jäger Barn Bar will host a selection of live music from local performers from Thursdays to Sundays. Guests can also enjoy a tempting selection of charcuterie and cheese boards, rich fondue, and hot, melting brie served in crispy bread.

The brand-new Glissè Bar, located at the opposite end of the market, offers the same festive range of drinks but in a more intimate setting. There’s also a selection of food stalls dotted around the market, serving up everything from German Bratwurst, Yorkshire pudding wraps, hog roast and even noodles, to coffee and doughnuts, churros, crepes, crumble, and more.

You can book a classic ski gondola and one of the brand new hot air balloon booths nestled within the Jäger Barn Bar where you can enjoy a food platter and drinks. The ski gondolas have been in service at one of Europe’s largest ski resorts before being transformed into a perfect cosy spot for a group of up to six to sit inside.

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Meanwhile, the ‘festive balloon dining’ experience sees diners sit inside a life-sized hot air balloon basket for between 6-8 people. Bookings are non refundable.

If you have to change the date, you should get in touch at least 48 hours before your booking and staff will endeavour to find a suitable time slot, but cannot guarantee availability. You can book a gondola or hot air balloon booth via this link and it’s worth taking note of the following key bits of information:

  • Maximum capacity for Gondolas is six people, Hot air balloon is for maximum of eight people
  • Hire is for a 90 minutes time slot
  • 30 minutes are left between bookings to get the Gondola or Hot Air Balloon ready for the next group
  • Please order additional drinks upon your arrival as table service cannot be guaranteed at busy times
  • Last booking is at 8pm
  • Well-behaved dogs, on a lead, are welcome
  • Please check your basket carefully before paying. Changes to your booking once confirmed cannot be made, apart from the time/date (subject to availability).

Virtual Reality sledge rides

Not much information has been released as of yet about the market’s VR Sledge Ride. But the website states: “VR Sledge Ride, visitors will be able to don VR goggles and take a virtual sleigh ride through amazing winter scenery”.

Bristol Christmas Market is back – bigger, brighter and more magical than ever(Image: Bristol Christmas Market)

Entertainment

As well as the live music at the Jäger Barn Bar, there will be plenty of entertainment across the market’s 2025 run for all ages to enjoy. Santa will himself be making multiple appearances, along with elves on stilts, bubble-blowing soldiers, balloon artists and Christmas choirs aplenty.

There will also be plenty of selfie opportunities with the Jäger Barn Bar’s wooden Weihnactsmann, as well as the market’s twinkling 30ft Christmas tree and festive selfie frame. Plus, the market itself will be illuminated by thousands of lights and adorned with festive ornaments.

What was 2024 like?

You can take a look at some images of the first day of the 2024 market in our photo gallery here.